FDNY AND DURACELL REMIND NEW YORKERS TO CHANGE THE BATTERIES IN THEIR SMOKE ALARMS AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS WHEN THEY CHANGE THEIR CLOCKS THIS WEEKEND

Fire Commissioner Salvatore J. Cassano and representatives from Duracell will be at the quarters of Engine 69/Ladder 28 at 248 West 143 Street, Manhattan on Friday March 12 at 11 a.m. reminding New Yorkers to change the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors when they change their clocks this weekend. Last month, firefighters from Engine 69/Ladder 28 rescued a man from an All-Hands fire, after his smoke alarm alerted neighbors and they called 911.

On Sunday, February 14, 58 year-old Louis Falcone sustained injuries from a fire in his apartment at 200 West 143 St. The first calls came in to 911 at 5:27 a.m. when neighbors heard the smoke alarm going off in Mr. Falcone’s apartment, and in other apartments throughout the building. Mr. Falcone was taken from the building in serious condition with smoke inhalation and burns, and was removed to Harlem Hospital where he has been recovering from his injuries.

“This is a clear case of a working smoke alarm playing a major role in saving a man’s life from what could have been a deadly fire,” said Commissioner Cassano. “Early notification is the first step in surviving a fire. I’m extremely proud of the work done by the members here at the Harlem Hilton, the neighbors who heard the alarm sound and called 911, and of the work done by the members of the Fire Safety Education Unit bringing the message of fire safety to New Yorkers year round. A man is alive today because of all of their efforts.”

More than 97% of homes have at least one smoke alarm, however the smoke alarms in a third of those homes do not work due to a missing or dead battery. A working smoke alarm provides early notification of a fire, allowing time to reach safety and notify the FDNY by calling 911.

“We’re honored to be partnering with the FDNY in their efforts to deliver important fire safety information to New Yorkers,” said Craig Bida Brand Manager Duracell. “We hope Duracell’s donation of 9V batteries will keep smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors powered and help ensure the safety of New York families.”

Throughout the day, at locations in all five boroughs, members of the FDNY Fire Safety Education Unit will be distributing batteries donated by Durcaell, along with fire safety information in nine different languages. Duracell has donated 75,000 batteries to the FDNY Foundation for distribution at events this year.

WHO:

Fire Commissioner Salvatore J. Cassano, Chief of Department Edward S. Kilduff, members of Engine 69/Ladder 28, members of the Fire Safety Education Unit, Craig Bida from Duracell, representatives from the FDNY Foundation, students from P.S. 194

WHERE:

Quarters of Engine 69/Ladder 28 – 248 West 143 Street, Manhattan

WHEN:

Friday, March 12, 2010 - 11 a.m.

**Following the press conference, third graders from P.S. 194 will receive a fire safety lesson at the firehouse**